GOP’s Kean Ousted in New Jersey Reelection After Monthslong Absence
Bennett wins the district
CBS News projected that Rebecca Bennett, a Democrat and former Navy helicopter pilot, defeated Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. The result ended Kean’s bid for reelection.
Kean addressed his recovery
Upon returning, Kean spoke on the House floor about depression. He said, “there is no timeline for recovery.” The limited information shared about his condition during his extended absence brought renewed attention to how much elected officials should disclose about their health.
Bennett raised more campaign funds
Federal Election Commission filings for the latest quarter showed Bennett raised about $3.9 million from July through September. Kean reported raising less than $1 million during that period. Across the full election season, Bennett raised nearly $8.2 million, compared with nearly $5.9 million for Kean.
Key points
- CBS News projected Rebecca Bennett’s victory over Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.
- Kean said depression has no set recovery timeline when he returned to the House floor.
- Bennett raised more than Kean both in the latest quarter and across the election season.
- Party leaders campaigned in the district as control of the House was contested.